Nation World

Bob Filner ignored by both sides in San Diego mayoral race

SAN DIEGO — It took Democrats 20 years to recapture the mayor's seat in San Diego and less than nine months for one of their own to be driven out.

Bob Filner's disgraced exit amid a flurry of sexual harassment allegations gives Republicans another chance to regain an office they held for much of the past four decades — but don't expect anyone to dwell on the former mayor as the campaign to replace him kicks into high gear.

"I think it's Bob Filner fatigue," said Jerry Sanders, Filner's predecessor who is now president of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Several Democrats are vying to lead the nation's eighth-largest city in the Nov. 19 election, including Nathan Fletcher, an executive at wireless technology titan Qualcomm Inc.; David Alvarez, a first-term city councilman; and Mike Aguirre, a former city attorney. But they're avoiding the topic of Filner as well.

"Bringing up Filner is a very risky strategy," said Brian Adams, a political science professor at San Diego State University.

If no one wins a majority — a likely scenario with 11 candidates — the top two finishers compete in a runoff. Todd Gloria, the City Council president, is interim mayor until voters pick a replacement.

Rockies relief pitcher John Axford, who hasn't pitched for the team since last Wednesday, was forced to leave spring training camp after his 2-year-old son was bit by a rattlesnake twice in his right foot.

One-day event to run slide down University HillIt's not quite the alternative mode of transportation that Boulder's used to, but, for one day this summer, residents will be able to traverse several city blocks atop inflatable tubes.

DETROIT (AP) — In a story March 27 about a 'Little Syria' exhibit going to Ellis Island, The Associated Press, due to incorrect information from the Arab American National Museum, erroneously reported the date the exhibit will open. Full Story